The World of Henry Orient Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The World of Henry Orient" in AVC encoded 1080p and 2.35:1 aspect ratio is a remarkable visual experience. The transfer retains nearly all of the original's color palette, delivering a vivid and life-like appearance. The fine grain structure is intact, contributing to an organic look that enhances the film's overall visual authenticity. While reds tend to lean slightly towards orange at times, the overall color palette remains natural, with well-balanced flesh tones and detailed exteriors of Manhattan locations. Close-ups excel in presenting fine details, such as flyaway strands on costumes, adding another layer of visual richness.

Additionally, the 2.35:1 1080p transfer stands out for its cleanliness, free from any detectable damage or speckling. Colors are not only bright and bold but also maintain life-like tones whether the scene skews warmer or cooler. The detail levels are exceptional; aspects like individual hairs, facial details, and textures of costumes and buildings are crisply rendered. Black levels are balanced, maintaining depth without any contrast issues. The main drawback is related to the film's optical dissolves and scene changes where the image noticeably flattens, and the grain structure becomes more pronounced. However, this minor issue does not detract significantly from what is otherwise a near-perfect transfer.

The audio presentation of "The World of Henry Orient" on Blu-ray is reinforced by a functional and impressive DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track. Supporting the film’s dialogue and musical elements, this lossless format delivers remarkable clarity and precision. Elmer Bernstein’s unique Latin-inflected score and frequent piano cues avoid any brittleness or excessive brightness, maintaining a high fidelity throughout. This superior execution ensures that viewers experience the soundtrack as intended without any audible concerns.

Sporting a robust DTS-HD MA 1.0 track, the film earns commendable marks for its well-managed single-channel sound source. Initially, potential limitations of mono might raise concerns, but the track impressively delivers outstanding clarity in dialogue and authentic-sounding effects. Bernstein’s dynamic score possesses a fitting presence, contributing to an engaging auditory experience. Despite being a mono track, it offers a pleasing sense of imaging, though a stereo track might have enhanced the resonance of quieter segments further. Nonetheless, this mono presentation stands out for its distinguished quality and precision.

The extras provided in the Blu-ray release of "The World of Henry Orient" deliver a comprehensive and engaging set of features that enhance the viewing experience. The Isolated Score Track in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 allows fans to appreciate the film's musical composition in pristine quality. The Original Theatrical Trailer and MGM 90th Anniversary Trailer, both presented in 1080p, provide nostalgic glimpses into the film's initial marketing efforts. Of notable mention is the robust Audio Commentary by film historians Jeff Bond, Julie Kirgo, and Nick Redman. Their insightful discourse covers the film’s history, behind-the-scenes stories, and adds valuable context about Peter Sellers' role and artistry, rounding out a highly educational and enjoyable feature.

Extras included in this disc:

Isolated Score Track: Presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.

Original Theatrical Trailer: Shows a charming preview that captures the film's amusing tone.

MGM 90th Anniversary Trailer: A nostalgic trailer celebrating MGM's legacy.

Audio Commentary: With Jeff Bond, Julie Kirgo, and Nick Redman discussing the film's history and behind-the-scenes details.

"The World of Henry Orient” Blu-ray Review: A Delightful Coming-of-Age Tale

George Roy Hill’s 1964 film "The World of Henry Orient" is an enchanting coming-of-age story that deftly balances moments of humor with undertones of melancholy. The plot sees concert pianist Henry Orient (Peter Sellers), whose artistic negligence stems from his preoccupation with amorous pursuits, inadvertently become the object of fascination for two young girls. The screenplay by Nora and Nunnally Johnson seamlessly transitions between lighthearted farce and introspective drama, lending the film a nuanced and organic tone.

The narrative follows Marian "Gil" Gilbert (Merrie Spaeth) and Valerie "Val" Campbell Boyd (Tippy Walker), two eighth graders who form an instant bond rooted in shared teenage tribulations and imaginative escapades. After a serendipitous encounter with Henry Orient during one of his clandestine liaisons, the girls’ innocent curiosity evolves into a fixation that indirectly disrupts his life. Their antics bring about comedic chaos, yet also serve as a poignant backdrop against which their own personal maturation is depicted. Sellers' character, originally viewed as eccentric and comedic, begins to unravel under the weight of their attention, introducing a layer of complexity to the film's otherwise whimsical proceedings.

The spectacular performances from both Walker and Spaeth imbue their characters with an endearing charm, making their journey both relatable and compelling. The supporting cast, including Angela Lansbury as Val’s domineering mother and Tom Bosley and Phyllis Thaxter as respective parental figures, enhance the narrative depth. Peter Sellers, despite his top billing, takes a backseat to the young leads, offering a restrained performance that complements the film’s dual focus on adolescent discovery and adult disillusionment.

“The World of Henry Orient” is not a conventional Peter Sellers comedy; instead, it is a sweet-natured blend of humor and heartfelt drama that captures the bittersweet essence of growing up. As a Blu-ray release by Twilight Time, this limited edition disc is presented on a BD50 disc and includes insightful supplementary material, reaffirming the film’s enduring charm and intricate character study.

"The World of Henry Orient" excels in its depiction of teen discovery and growth rather than being solely focused on Peter Sellers' character. Sellers delivers a performance that subtly combines his signature mania and understated humor, but it is the portrayal of Gil and Val's starstruck adventures that truly captures the viewer's heart. The narrative expertly explores the transitional phase of adolescence, making it resonate with audiences of all ages.

The Blu-ray release by Twilight Time impresses with its high-quality audio-visual presentation, capturing every detail and nuance of the film beautifully. Though the selection of extras is somewhat limited, the inclusion of an isolated score by the legendary Elmer Bernstein is a significant highlight that adds to the overall value of this edition. The technical merits, including clear visuals and crisp sound quality, are commendable and elevate the viewing experience considerably.

In conclusion, "The World of Henry Orient" might have been more accurately entitled "The World of Gil and Val," as it deeply examines the lives of two young girls at pivotal moments. While Sellers' performance is memorable, the film's allure lies in its heartfelt portrayal of adolescence. With strong technical merits and a touching narrative, this Blu-ray release from Twilight Time comes highly recommended.